Texas-bred outfit Flyleaf emerged in the late 2000s, captivating hard rock audiences with powerful anthems that navigated the complex interplay of despair and hope. Led by the dynamic vocals of Lacey Sturm, their message, although sometimes rooted in faith-based themes, resonated universally through intense howls and soaring melodies. Throughout the 2010s, Flyleaf dominated the U.S. alternative, hard rock, and Christian charts, achieving platinum status with their debut album, Flyleaf, released in 2005. Following the departure of Sturm in 2012 to focus on family and a brief solo career, the band welcomed Kristen May for a single album, Between the Stars, in 2014. The year 2022 marked Flyleaf’s triumphant return from hiatus, featuring a deluxe reissue of their debut and a series of reunion shows with Sturm back at the helm.
Formed in Belton, Texas in 2000, Flyleaf originated from Lacey Sturm’s early compositions, which she shared with drummer James Culpepper. With the addition of guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, along with bassist Pat Seals, the band—originally known as Passerby—solidified their lineup. By 2005, Flyleaf signed with Octone Records, following a path paved with local performances and notable opening slots for artists like Bowling for Soup, Fishbone, and Riddlin’ Kids. The band’s debut EP, also titled Flyleaf, produced by industry veterans Rick Parashar and Brad Cook, showcased standout tracks like